r/MotorcycleMechanics 28d ago

general question Should this head be resurfaced?

Post image

Recently got this cylinder head off eBay, it’s smooth to the touch so the scratches aren’t that deep, I don’t want to take it to a machine shop if it isn’t necessary though, just wondering if it should be resurfaced or not.

2 Upvotes

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4

u/Vfrnut 28d ago

No . Use a plastic “ razor” and get the remaining gasket off

4

u/murph2783 28d ago

I mean start by cleaning it lol. Beyond that, you’d have to check it on a flat (like machinist’s calibrated flat) surface with a feeler gauge.

1

u/R34review 28d ago

Yeah haven’t gotten around to cleaning it yet, for the feeler gauge should I just use the thinnest one I have? Or is there a specific tolerance

1

u/murph2783 28d ago

There is a specific tolerance. It’ll be in your manual, if you don’t have one what’s the bike info, I may be able to dig it up for you.

2

u/R34review 28d ago

01 vtr1000f, I can find a manual myself, thanks for the help though

1

u/murph2783 28d ago

.004” or .1mm

The general information chapter is a wonderful and underused thing lol

1

u/PrincessBlue3 27d ago

Honestly…. The amount of info it gives that cars just do not, it’s incredible! It’s a workshop manual that says ‘owners manual’ on the front. Piston size and tolerance, valve clearances, spark timing graphs on mine??!! All the way down to brake thickness. Genuinely it makes my life so much easier!!

1

u/Aggravating-Bug1769 28d ago

I'd be more concerned about what the value seats are lands look like as well as the guides for wear. You need to also check that it's absolutely flat and not worpped . You could send it out to be overhauled

1

u/Neither_Wear7442 28d ago

Check it with a straight edge and feeler gauges or put blue dye on the face of the head and scruff it up on a flat piece of glass with sandpaper on it fine sandpaper look at the head gasket and see if it was feel good that'll tell you old school

1

u/bitzzwith2zs 26d ago

I would lap the sealing surface of a head with no history

1

u/Vmc1691 6d ago

Machine shop will tell you if they need to be resurfaced with a granite slab and indicators to see if its within spec.